WHO Releases Guidance to Reduce Catheter-Associated Infections

Amid rising antimicrobial resistance that poses a “global threat,” the World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced recommendations aimed at reducing the number of people who are affected by sepsis and other serious infections caused by catheters placed in blood vessels. Up to 70% of hospital inpatients have a catheter placed in a vein or artery during their stay, which increases their risk of contracting bloodstream and soft tissue infections, the WHO reported.